The bill amends Kansas laws concerning irrigation districts and water obstructions, focusing on election procedures for the board of directors and regulations surrounding dams. It permits elections to be conducted via mail ballot, which can be established by the board through a resolution, and allows the board to set the term lengths for elected members at two, three, or four years. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a "dam" and specifies what constitutes a water obstruction, while introducing civil penalties for violations of these regulations. For irrigation districts over 35,000 acres, the bill mandates the establishment of voting areas and polling places, ensuring that all qualified voters receive mail ballots.

In terms of water obstructions and dam regulations, the bill empowers the chief engineer to require permits for necessary water obstructions while removing the need for prior written consent or permits for certain low hazard class A dams under specific conditions. It categorizes violations as class C misdemeanors with civil penalties ranging from $100 to $500, with each day of continued violation after notice constituting a separate offense. The chief engineer can take legal action against unlawful activities, and aggrieved parties have the right to appeal decisions. All collected penalties will be deposited into the state treasury for the water structures fund, and the bill will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 42-706, 75-4215
As introduced: 42-706, 75-4215